RESIDENTS are being urged to donate their unused bikes, so they can be refurbished and used by community groups, as part of a new project.

Community Cycle, co-ordinated by Colchester Council, will allow residents to drop off unwanted bikes to a collection point at the Northern Gateway Sports Park up until Sunday, October 31.

The bikes will then be fixed and refurbished, ready to get back out rolling again.

Once they are back in running order, they will be donated to community groups and families who need them. They will also receive a helmet, lights, lock and bike training.

The project was launched on Friday to mark the date the Women’s Tour stage five came to Colchester.

Read more: In pictures: Crowds line the streets as Women's Tour races through Colchester

Colchester Council’s communities boss, Beverley Oxford, said: “Community Cycle is a fantastic new initiative. By recycling residents’ unwanted bikes, we will be able to provide an important resource for local community groups.

“If you have a bike you no longer need, let us help put it to good use. Providing people with easier access to bikes helps them to reap the health benefits cycling offers.

“We are keen to offer more opportunities to make sustainable travel choices, as we recognise the vital role they play in promoting healthy and active communities.”

The project is being funded by the Active Essex ‘Find Your Active’ campaign, celebrating the benefits of moving more and creating opportunities for people to create new, sustainable, healthy habits.

As a thank you for every bike donation, residents will be able to use the Northern Gateway pump track or cycle track for only £1.

For further information and to find out drop off dates, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/womens-tour.